TRIBUTES were flowing in this week to a popular Saddleworth businessman who was brutally beaten to death in Essex at the weekend.

William David Prosser, known as 'Dave', of Lee Cross in Diggle, had met friends in Colchester on Saturday before he was due to go on to watch the Powergen Rugby Union Cup Final the following day.

The divorcee, who had no children, is believed to have been kicked and punched to death by a group of men in and alleyway close to Colchester town centre.

The violent crime took place at about 12.30am on Sunday morning after the victim became separated from his friends.

He was discovered suffering from head injuries by a passer-by and taken to Colchester General Hospital. His heart had stopped and he died a short time later.

The 36-year-old was a financial adviser who ran Mortgage by Design in King Street, Delph, where floral tributes have been laid. He was previously in the Royal Navy and had served as an engineer on a frigate in the first Gulf War.

Dave was in the process of setting up a new business, Moving Worlds International Ltd, with business partner Clive Jackson, selling property in Bulgaria.

Mr Jackson, 45, of Royton said: "He was great guy who was liked by everyone who knew him. I have known him for seven or eight years - he was always full of life and energy. He loved his sport, particularly rugby.

"He is originally from St Helens but has lived here for a number of years. We were just about to launch a new business and then this happens. It's a terrible shock.

"I spoke to his mother in St Helens this morning and his parents are devastated."

Mr Prosser had recently established the Saddleworth Business Club, with Dave McDougal. The group met every other Wednesday at the Bull's Head in Delph to network over breakfast.

Mr McDougal said: "Although I only knew him a short time I found him very approachable and we got on very well. He was a bit of an entrepreneur. He was very much a doer more than a talker. I'm not certain about the future of the group after what's happened."

Bull's Head landlord Stewart Thewlis said: "I was very shocked when I heard. He was a sound guy and sometimes used to pop in for a drink after work. He was the life and soul of the party."

Victoria Ash, who runs a beauty salon next door to Mr Prosser's premises, said: "I can't believe it. He was a very nice, hardworking man. He seemed so happy at the moment and was doing very well with his business."

Sarah Mills, of Saddleworth estate agent Key Moves, who had business dealings with Mr Prosser, said: "He was a very nice man and I'm deeply shocked to hear of his death."

Tributes also came from Rossendale Rugby Club, where Mr Prosser had been a member of the second team for the past six seasons.

Mick Miller, team captain, said: "It's a tragic loss - apart from being a very good friend, he was a terrific player and gave 100 per cent on the field.

"He had a shoulder injury and had been out for the past five weeks, but he always came and watched us."

The second team will play Oldham away this Saturday and the teams will hold a minute's silence and wear black arm bands in honour of Mr Prosser.

FOUR men in their 20s were arrested in connection with Mr Prosser's death but two have since been released without charge and the other two have been bailed.